Core i3-6100E vs Xeon W5590

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-6100E vs Xeon W5590 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-6100E vs Xeon W5590: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-6100E

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, while Xeon W5590 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,315 vs 3,342).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5590, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 16.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Xeon W5590

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $23 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 12.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.5 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5590 better than Core i3-6100E?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5590 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-6100E is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W5590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon W5590 is the better buy right now. Xeon W5590 comes in $23 cheaper on MSRP at $202 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 12.3% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-6100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100E vs Xeon W5590 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-6100E

The Core i3-6100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,315 points. Launch price was $225.

Xeon W5590

The Xeon W5590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,342 points. Launch price was $270.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W5590 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W5590 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon W5590. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W5590 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Xeon W5590's 3,342 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon W5590. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5590.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon W5590
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
Base Clock	—	3.33 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,315	3,342

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-6100E) / not specified (Xeon W5590). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon W5590 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon W5590
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100E was priced at $225, while the Xeon W5590 came in at $202. On launch pricing ($225 vs $202), Xeon W5590 was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100E delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 16.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W5590 — making the Xeon W5590 the 11.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon W5590
MSRP	$225	$202-10%
Performance per Dollar	14.7	16.5+12%
Release Date	2015	2009

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